Oct. 23, 2023
Downtown Knoxville Alliance is encouraging residents and visitors to carve out some time through Halloween to show off their costumes for the chance to win gift cards from local businesses. The costume contest is part of Wicked Cool, a collection of experiences bewitching the city center this month.
Now through Oct. 31, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance is treating the best-dressed participants from eight categories including: Best Couple, Cutest, Best Family, Best Group, Best Hollywood/Broadway, Best Kid(s), Best Pet and Scariest. To enter, take a photo in your costume with downtown in the background – suggested photo locations are marked on sidewalks through the district. Then, upload it online at downtownknoxville.org/wicked/costume-contest or share on social media with #KnoxHalloween
“Last year’s looks were scary good, but I believe Knoxvillians and visitors can top it with terrifying and terrific costumes,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “Get creative on your own, with friends and family and even your pet. Entering the contest is easy and fun. While you’re in the Halloween spirit, support our local businesses, too!”
Winners will be announced on Downtown Knoxville’s Facebook, Instagram and X accounts no later than Nov. 7.
Visit downtownknoxville.org/wicked to discover even more Wicked Cool fun through Oct. 31, including:
- Wicked Cool Cats: This self-guided scavenger hunt has more than $500 in prizes from mystery downtown merchants for winners. Overcome your superstitions and search for black cats hiding in nine downtown business windows. Scan the QR code at each location and register for the chance to win gift cards. Clues are available at downtownknoxville.org/wicked/coolcats. Winners will be announced on Nov. 1.
- Thrills and chills: Complete Knoxville’s creepiest bar crawl if you dare or find a fright for the whole family. Events for all ages are listed at downtownknoxville.org/wicked/events.
- Wicked walks & photo ops: Ghosts in Ghoulish Grove, the Krutch Park Creature, a photo op outside the Knoxville Chamber and Entrepreneur Center and more – there are frightful and fun surprises throughout downtown. Snap a photo and share on social media using #KnoxHalloween and tag @downtownknox for the chance to be featured on Downtown Knoxville’s accounts and win prizes.
- Supernatural snacks and shopping: Sit for a spell and pick your poison at downtown bars and restaurants, which will offer bubbling concoctions, spooky sweet treats and food not for the faint of heart! While you saunter around, shop for fall décor and gifts from local boo-tiques.
Wicked Cool is made possible by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, Dogwood Arts, City of Knoxville, Graphic Creations, Christmas Decor Plus More and downtown businesses and property owners.
About the Downtown Knoxville Alliance
Ensuring a vibrant, flourishing downtown is the primary mission of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA). Formed in 1993 as a Central Business Improvement District (CBID), the district encompasses a 0.67-square-mile area and is supported by a special assessment to property owners that is used to make improvements, enhance services and promote downtown. The DKA continually focuses on attracting and retaining a thriving community of residents, businesses and visitors in Downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit downtownknoxville.org.
